Friday, May 31, 2013

Banana Crepes [Foodie Friday]


Hi, my name is Chrissy and I'm a picky eater.

This week for breakfast, I made Banana Crepes from my Revolt Fitness menu.  I really liked them which surprised me because....I'm particular about the foods I like.  These are healthy, flour-less, gluten free, banana crepes packed with protein.




Banana Crepes

Ingredients:
  • 1 egg
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 banana
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • cinnamon to taste
  • coconut oil
Directions:
  1. Add eggs, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon to a blender and mix until smooth.
  2. Melt coconut oil in a small pan on medium heat.
  3. Pour batter into hot pan and cook on both sides until golden.
 
Recipe by Chrissy @ Loving Life http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2013/05/banana-crepes-foodie-friday.html


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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Revolt 2.6, Supplements



I finished Uprising 2, Week 6 (my 4th week of the program) of Revolt Fitness.  I feel stronger in my upper body.  I'm able to do more real (manly) push-ups.  I've also increased the weights used in the upper body workouts.  To help with the soreness of working out 5 times a week, I take some supplements.

Here are the supplements I'm taking...
  • Multi vitamin
  • CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) - 1000mg 3x day. This is an omega-6 fatty acid primarily found in beef and dairy products that may help reduce body fat & increase lean muscle mass. 
  • Fish oil  - 1290mg 2x day.  Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. I buy one that minimizes burps because I can't stand to burp up fish all day.
  • Glutamine - 5000mg 1x day (I add the plain powder to my protein shake).  A workout basically tears your muscle fibers.  Immediately after a workout, your body starts to repair itself.  Glutamine plays a key role in repairing damaged and sore muscles.

I do see what a big role food plays in transforming my body.  Last week, I was off the wagon.  Instead of one cheat day, I had four!  With parties all weekend, my will power was lost.

Here are my numbers for week 2.6


Revolt's 2nd Uprising is now over.  I'm very happy with my results over the last 4 weeks. I'm sure I'll see my weight number go back down as I continue to hydrate after a weekend of drinking and bad eating.  I still lost inches last week!

Do you want to try Revolt this week....FREE?! Find out if it's the program for you!Revolt Fitness launched a free 1 week Kickstart program on Monday, May 27. You have access to a 50 page guide, 1 week of videos, 1 week of workouts with 3 different fitness levels, and 1 week of meal plan with 6 calorie levels.

Sign up for your free week at Revolt Fitness.

The next Uprising starts June 3. Who wants to join me! More details coming soon (and maybe a discount for readers).

Disclaimer: I was given a free membership to Revolt Fitness in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Color Me Rad Race Recap


I participated in Color Me Rad 5k last weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  This was my first "color run".  This race was purely for fun.  There was no time clock or medals just bags and bags of colored cornstarch, know as color bombs.

I didn't wear my Garmin or headphones for fear they would be covered in cornstarch dust.  That was a correct assumption!

I thought about buying a mask to keep the colored dust out of my nose and mouth.  I even went to my local Target to purchase a mask but they only had thin paper-like ones that would not serve my purpose.  We did get rad 80s style sunglasses and tattoos as part of the registration.  I proudly wore them during the race.

Here's the before picture.



I liked the color spray areas above because the color really showed up on my clothes.






 
Photo Credit to Caroline Calcote.
 

Here's the after picture.  My white "wife beater" tank doesn't look like it has much of the powder cornstarch on it but it was there.  A lot of the color went through my cotton shirt and onto my skin.  My stomach was pink and orange under my shirt!

It was a fun race made even better because I ran it with friends!  I don't know my exact time but it was about 30 minutes.

This is race #8 in my 13 in 2013 challenge.

Have you ever done a color run?

*Disclaimer: I received a free race entry for Color Me Rad in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.

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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Fun with Stand Up Paddle Boarding


My family and I had a fantastic opportunity to try stand up paddle boarding (SUP) with Manatee Paddle.  Manatee Paddle is located right on Crystal River with beautiful, clear waters.  They offer paddle board lessons, tours, rentals, and fitness classes. We were so excited for this family adventure!  My boys love the water.

My husband and I each had one of our boys on the board with us because I wasn't sure either of them could paddle their own board the entire tour.  AND I got to use my new waterproof camera for some cool shots!









 


Here is my oldest son doing some of the paddling for us.  It was a nice rest for me on a gorgeous day.

We really enjoyed ourselves and had a great time.  SUP has become a fitness phenomenon.  SUP gives you an amazing core workout but you'll feel it in your legs and butt too because of the balancing act required to stay on the board.  We'll definitely be doing this again!

Manatee Paddle officially opens on June 1st.  They are located at 544 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL, 34428.

Do you SUP?


Disclaimer: My family and I were given a free SUP tour in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Revolt 2.5, How do I Revolt?


I finished Uprising 2, Week 5 (my third week) of Revolt Fitness.  I'm feeling fantastic and would love for some of you to join me in June.

Revolt costs $10 a month. There are no sign up fees or contracts and you may cancel at any time. That's  cheaper than a gym and you workout in the comfort of your own home.
You get daily workouts and a weekly meal plan.

Here's what I recommend you have to start Revolt:
  1. An electronic device to play the videos. I use my tablet. You don't have to watch the videos but this really motivates me to give my all during the workout.
  2. Dumbbells or kettlebells. I have 5 lbs, 8 lbs, and 10 lbs hand weights.
  3. An exercise/yoga mat. I had rug burns on my elbows and back from working out on my carpet.  OUCH!
  4. A stability ball
Nichole also recommends a weight bench but that's not practical for me to have in my house.  When the bench is used, I use my bed, a chair, or modify the workout.

Do you want to try Revolt for 1 week....FREE?!  Find out if it's the program for you!

Revolt Fitness is launching a free 1 week Kickstart program on Monday, May 27.  You will have access to a 50 page guide, 1 week of videos, 1 week of workouts with 3 different fitness levels, and 1 week of meal plan with 6 calorie levels.

Sign up for your free week at Revolt Fitness.

The next Uprising starts June 3.  Who wants to join me!   More details coming soon.

Now for last week's numbers....



I love this program!!  I've been stuck at the same size/weight for years even though I exercise regularly.  I ran 2 marathons this year for goodness sake!  Finally, a program I can follow and see results!  I did really well last week with my food plan and I can feel the difference.  I might even get brave enough to post pictures.....maybe.


Disclaimer: I was given a free membership to Revolt Fitness in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Spring Fling Giveaway!


 Hello and Welcome to the First Official Spring Fling with Everything For Ana!!

I (Chrissy) am so excited to join in on hosting this giveaway from Everything For Ana!  Here's the information from her website...

During the Spring Fling, I will be sharing reviews and giveaways of wonderful items and pretty things for spring. I had so much fun in March and April with Ana, testing out new recipes, wearing new pretties and getting ready for the warm, warm weather of May and June.

Welcome also to the blogs who are hosting this giveaway on their page, make sure you check out their content and giveaways for more fun!! I will be featuring all of these sponsors with their own review  or featured page so make sure you keep checking back to the blog to read more. Without further ado, I present to you Spring Fling.  Thanks so much to the sponsors(in alphabetical order):

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Giveaways:

Daddy Scrubs


Win a adorable Daddty Tie for a New Daddy or your Daddy! 
I have worked with Daddy Scrubs in the past, they have wonderful gifts for the new daddy, and are so original!

Diamond Lily's Happy Bling

Win a beautiful Carousel necklace for your sweetie!
Diamond Lily makes such gorgeous necklaces for your and your sweetie, it was so hard for me to choose which one to feature!

Everfan Capes
Win the cape of your choice for your superhero!! 
Since our Everfan cape arrived, Ana has not stopped playing Super Ana with her dollies and us! So cute and imaginative. Check out our review here!

Fuzzy Ink 
Win a set of mustache cookie cutters
We are making cookies with these and adding chocolate sprinkles for the little hairs. Cannot wait to show you how cute these come out!

Lil and Lou Designs
Win a choice of 4 adorable sea creature designs. (Ana loves the mermaid)
I would love one of these bags for Ana's Third Birthday, it is going to be a mermaid swimming party, and I have been collecting fish and mermaid decor for the past few months. So cute!!


Lily and Luna

Win a $50 GC towards Lily and Luna's amazing clothing! 
I am not sure which dress I would choose if I won this...they are ALL so gorgeous and homemade. Maybe a special Ariel or mermaid themed dress for Ana's Third Bday??


Little Cosmetics
Win a set of Little Cosmetics for your princess! 


We love our Little Cosmetics Set, and so will your little girl. Check out photos, a video and our review here.


Trinkets by Dana

;
Win 2 sets of adorable, yummy summer time earrings and go here to win some Firmoo Designer Glasses:
http://cheerstonovelty.blogspot.com/2013/05/ready-for-summer-giveaway-party-firmoo.html

 These are so pretty and feminine, I looove the ice cream cones and would rock them all summer long (while eating homemade fresh ice cream especially!!

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Reviews:

 Dei Fratelli Gluten Free Tomato Soup
 Ellie Workout Clothes
 Eshakti
 Fast Metabolism Diet Book
 Mia Mariu Products (giveaway pending)
 Ozeri Green Frying Pan
 Pure Natural Diva Perfume
 Reneu Shoes
 Sambazon
 Seventh Generation
 Vitacost


(as each review becomes live, their links will appear here!So please keep checking back)

Also, I may be adding more prizes as sponsors get back to me. Some of those reviews may turn into giveaways, so come back for your daily entries (tweet, comment, and klout) and enter to win one of these great prizes.


Please visit the sponsors, shop and have fun!! Also, please visit the fellow blogs who are so kind to help host this rafflecopter. Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rules:
 **Open to those who live in the USA only, 18 and over. One member of a household only may enter, and one email address per that person.  All entries will be checked and those found not to be in compliance with the rules will be disqualified. All winners will be emailed within 48 hours of the end of the giveaway. Rafflecopter will be choosing the winners, but only one win per person/household.  All blogs involved in this giveaway are not responsible for the shipping or fulfillment of prizes. That responsibility is that of the sponsors and the sponsors alone.  This blog is not responsible for the content within.


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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Revolt 2.4, Fitness is 80% Nutrition




Last weekend I finished up my second week with Revolt Fitness.  I am loving the workouts each day!  They are quick (usually about 20-30 minutes) and easy to follow but certainly not easy.  I work up a sweat in those 30 minutes.

At the beginning of each video, Nichole goes through each exercise so you're familiar with what we're doing.  There are three different workout levels for each video that allow you to customize an intensity that's right for your fitness level.  I'm at level 2 which is for people who normally exercise moderately, 2-3x a week.

I followed the workout schedule for last week and even got in a 17 mile bike ride but I slacked when it came to following the meal plan exactly.  Here's why...I didn't make all of my meals ahead of time; it was Teacher Appreciation Week at work so there were goodies everyday and special lunches; and it was Mother's Day.  Triple whammy week for me!  Yes those are excuses but I've already told you, food is my fitness downfall.  I shared this photo on facebook last week to remind myself of this fact.



I did make tasty, muffin-tin eggs.  I've seen them on Pinterest and was excited that a similar recipe was on my Revolt meal plan.  Breakfast was the one meal I got right last week.


Egg whites, onion and spinach (then topped with salsa)


Here are my stats for week 2 of Revolt Fitness.  I feel great!  I also decided not to measure body fat % each week.  I'll do that measurement at the end of this Uprising.



Want to Revolt with me?  There are no sign up fees or contracts and you may cancel at any time. It's cheaper than a gym and you workout in the comfort of your own home.
The third Uprising starts in June and I'd love to have some of you join me!  More details coming soon.


Disclaimer: I was given a free membership to Revolt Fitness in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Sweet Potato, Asparagus, and Chicken Orzo [Foodie Friday]


I'm trying to cook healthier, less processed dinners for my family.  I ate a chicken risotto dish at Brio a couple of weeks ago and loved it.  I came up with a this new dish by making some changes to the Brio dish. I didn't want all the extras that come with making risotto so I used whole wheat orzo instead.  My husband and I loved it!  We both took it for lunch the next day...which is huge for me because I usually don't eat leftovers.


Sweet Potato, Asparagus, and Chicken Orzo




Sweet Potato, Asparagus, Chicken Orzo


Ingredients:
  • 2 sweet potatoes cubed
  • 1 lb asparagus (cleaned and trimmed)
  • 4 chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dill weed
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • olive oil and coconut oil
  • salt & pepper
  • garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning
 
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400○
  2. Place cubed sweet potatoes in a gallon Ziploc bag, add 2 tbsp olive oil, salt/pepper, garlic/onion powder and Italian seasonings to taste (I use about 3 shakes of each). Seal and shake the bag to coat potatoes, then pour potatoes into a roasting pan.
  3. Bake for 35 min total (20 min then add asparagus for 15 min)
  4. Add asparagus to the same Ziploc bag with 1 tsp olive oil, shake, and add them to roasting pan when potatoes have 15 min left
  5. Cook orzo according to package directions
  6. Put 1 TBSP coconut oil in a large skillet over med/high heat. Let the pan get very hot before you add the cubed chicken so the chicken will brown, cook about 3 min per side.
  7. When orzo is finished cooking, drain and return to pan. Add lemon juice, dill, parsley and salt/pepper to taste.
  8. Add sweet potatoes, asparagus and orzo to the large skillet with the cooked chicken and serve immediately
Recipe by Chrissy @ Loving Life
http://lovinglife27.blogspot.com/2013/05/foodie-friday-sweet-potato-asparagus.html


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